Which condition is likely indicated by an 18-month-old girl with inwardly turned feet and normal patellar alignment?

Which condition is likely indicated by an 18-month-old girl with inwardly turned feet and normal patellar alignment?

• A. Femoral anteversion
• B. Tibial torsion
• C. Metatarsus adductus
• D. Club foot

Answer: (B)

The scenario described is indicative of tibial torsion. Inwardly turned feet, also known as "pigeon-toed" gait, can often result from rotational issues in the lower limb. In a young child like the one in this case, tibial torsion is a common cause of this presentation, characterized by the shin bone (tibia) being rotated inward. Normal patellar alignment in this context further supports the diagnosis. With tibial torsion, while the feet turn inward, the alignment of the patella (knee cap) remains intact. This is a distinguishing feature, as in conditions like femoral anteversion, one would typically observe patellar malalignment due to the associated internal rotation of the femur. Additionally, while conditions such as metatarsus adductus and clubfoot may also cause inwardly turned feet, they generally present with different features. Metatarsus adductus usually involves the forefoot and often has a flexible deformity that can be corrected manually. Clubfoot presents with a more severe and rigid deformity, typically includes an inversion and adduction of the foot, and can also influence the alignment of the ankle and knee structures. Understanding the mechanism and clinical presentation of tibial torsion

The scenario described is indicative of tibial torsion. Inwardly turned feet, also known as "pigeon-toed" gait, can often result from rotational issues in the lower limb. In a young child like the one in this case, tibial torsion is a common cause of this presentation, characterized by the shin bone (tibia) being rotated inward.

Normal patellar alignment in this context further supports the diagnosis. With tibial torsion, while the feet turn inward, the alignment of the patella (knee cap) remains intact. This is a distinguishing feature, as in conditions like femoral anteversion, one would typically observe patellar malalignment due to the associated internal rotation of the femur.

Additionally, while conditions such as metatarsus adductus and clubfoot may also cause inwardly turned feet, they generally present with different features. Metatarsus adductus usually involves the forefoot and often has a flexible deformity that can be corrected manually. Clubfoot presents with a more severe and rigid deformity, typically includes an inversion and adduction of the foot, and can also influence the alignment of the ankle and knee structures.

Understanding the mechanism and clinical presentation of tibial torsion